Computing

This programme is designed for graduates with little or no previous computing experience. It offers a range of key computing skills including programming, systems analysis, databases, hardware and networking.

What you study

This programme develops your knowledge to the forefront of applied computing and your intellectual ability for analysis and synthesis at the level for postgraduate research. It produces graduates who can make reasoned, critical decisions for selecting or implementing appropriate computer-based solutions. Graduates develop sufficient technical and inter-personal skills to make a contribution to projects in computer applications. You are encouraged to develop enterprise ideas and progress towards further research including MPhil and/or PhD. You acquire a range of practical, professional and transferable skills.

How you learn

Lectures are used to introduce and develop material, with research issues and recent developments included as appropriate. Subjects are explored in depth via tutor-led seminars, practical workshops, individual or group research and contribution to discussion forums.

Lectures, discussion seminars and online discussions are used to develop intellectual skills. Directed self study and research are used in many modules to develop each student’s critical evaluation skills.

Lectures, including presentations from guest external practitioners, are used to deliver relevant subject-specific content. Practical work includes case studies from real scenarios and development of significant computer applications.

Development of transferable skills, self-managed learning and professional development are core themes throughout the programme. Methods include group-based activities and discussions, self-directed learning and research, and tutor-led workshops.

How you are assessed

Most learning outcomes are assessed by individual coursework, including case studies, essays and development of computer applications, with critical evaluation of processes or products, and evidence of research into a specified area. Some learning outcomes are assessed by group work. The School is very experienced in assessing group work with a research profile in that area. The assessment starts with a group, with a clear emphasis on process as well as product, but proceeds to individual assessment of each student by a variety of means.

Other assessments include individual portfolios of technical work and presentations to tutors of research findings. Assessment of a significant computer application, plus group work, is used as the vehicle for assessing planning and self-management. Other assessments of transferable skills include oral presentations and the development of portfolios of work to a professional standard.

Career opportunities

Typically graduates of this course would be suited for careers such as systems analysts, application programmers and database designers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have one of the following:

• an honours degree, first or second class, in any subject other than those which contain significant programming or software design subjects; or
• equivalent qualifications, for example applicants who have appropriate professional experience.

In addition, international students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

More information

• Computing
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